Reasons For Drug Abuse, Its Symptoms And Effects On Youth

People of different ages get abused by drugs, but the young people are the ones who are highly affected due to drug abuse involvement. There are those who will involve themselves responsibly while others need help since they are draining their lives in this menace.

However, whether you abuse drugs or not, there is only one truth and which is most important.

Drug abuse affects all of us directly or indirectly. This is because we have friends, families, colleagues and schoolmates who are in it. We live with these people in our day to day lives, and this makes us part of us.

The best thing is not to blame them because this will not help. We should try to understand and this the only way we can be able to extend a healing hand in the right way.

Below are some of the things we should seek to understand to manage to help our loved ones who have the drug addiction.

In case you are reading these, and you have just started abusing drugs, you can go through the effects of drugs and see what you might probably have to go through if you if you continue the same way.

Reasons why drug abuse is increasing among the youth

Influence And Lack Of Role Models

In the recent world, there are numerous people abusing drugs. They watch their parents who comfortably abuse various drugs. Another thing that is increasing the rate at which youths are abusing various drugs is the social scenes that revolve these young people.

Most of the social circles that youths are in revolve around smoking and drinking alcohol. It becomes simple for a young person to take a substance just because it is available.

Rebellion

Various rebellious youths select various drugs to abuse depending on their personalities. For those who are angry, alcohol becomes the most suitable since it makes them feel aggressive.

For those who want to avoid some feelings or some things, they tend to take marijuana since it’s an avoidance drug. For those who feel misunderstood, they tend to take hallucinogens and LSD to help them escape to the world that is more kind and idealistic. When they smoke cigarettes, they try to show rebellion and annoy their seniors.

Popular Media

Media nowadays, with no doubt makes the young people feel like taking drugs is an OK thing. From the programs produced, recorded songs to the movies they are watching, they are all making it feel like it is normal to take drugs.

These young people become enticed to take these drugs by their favourite characters in their beloved movies.

Instant Gratification

Alcohol and other drugs work rapidly giving instant results. For the starters, the effects really feel great. This is why most youths continue abusing drugs since they treat this as a happiness shortcut.

There are numerous reasons why there is rampant usage of drugs among youths and below are some more reasons.

Lack of confidence

Boredom

Self- medication and escape

Misinformation

Symptoms Of Youth Drug Abuse

There is no clear method to figure out if your friend or child is abusing drugs, especially in the beginning because they will be very keen. However, if you are observant, you cannot miss out since you will notice some changes. The symptoms are numerous and so below are just some of them.

Personal Appearance

Poor hygiene

Soot or burns on lips or finger

Messy

To hide marks, they won’t even dress lightly even in warm weather or they will have long sleeved attire

Personal Actions Or Habits

Cash flow issues

Being out every night

Secretive calls

Unusual smells

Avoiding eye contact

Al of a sudden chewing mints and gums to hide breath

Clenching teeth

Behavioral Signs

Loss of inhibitions

Laughing at nothing

Emotional instability

Depressed

Decreased motivation

Uncommunicative

Lack of coordination

Change in family relationship

Unusually tired

Inability to focus

Work Or School Related Symptoms

Truancy

Reports of intoxication

Complaints from colleagues or teachers

Loss of interest in things that mattered

Failure to fulfill responsibilities

Health Symptoms

Frequent sickness

Seizures

Nosebleeds

Vomiting

Dramatic weight loss

Sores around the mouth

Runny nose

Headaches

Depression

Sweatiness

Injuries and accidents

Effects Of Drugs On Youths

At any age, drug abuse can lead to adverse health effects. Apart from health, there other consequences that come from drug abuse. Even the one perceived as responsible substance abuse later turns to be addiction. Some of the effects are irreversible and permanent. Below are some of the effects of drug abuse among the youths.

Injuries

Increased susceptibility to infections

Liver failure

Cardiovascular conditions

Stroke and brain damage

Addiction

Loss of self -control

Paranoia

Hallucinations

Loss of work

Dropping out of school

Risky sex

Car accidents

Diseases like STIs, for example, HIV/AIDS

Miscarriages

For parents, these are some of the things that you should know about drugs and youths. Drug abuse is a problem that can come to a stop. Therefore, when you realize your child or friends are in it, they need help. Drug abuse is stoppable, but every day becomes a recovery day. You can keep your loved ones from suffering the long- term consequences of drug abuse. Use facilities like rehabs for addicted youths. There, they will get help, care, and support.